Academy Teams

Mariners recruit Brent Griffiths

CENTRAL Coast Mariners have today secured the services of former Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix defender Brent Griffiths on a one-season contract.

Brent Griffiths, right, has signed a one-season deal with the Mariners

CENTRAL Coast Mariners have today secured the services of former Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix defender Brent Griffiths on a one-season contract.

Brent Griffiths, 22, is the younger brother of Rostyn Griffiths, a player who became a fan favourite for the yellow and navy faithful at Bluetongue Stadium before switching to emerging Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou R&F earlier this year.

A versatile left-footed defender, Griffiths adds further flexibility to the Mariners squad having most recently represented Heidelberg United in the Victorian Premier League.

Griffiths spent two months training with the Mariners before his move to Phoenix last season, and Central Coast boss Graham Arnold said he was close to keeping the player in Gosford 12 months ago.

“Brent gives us A-League experience having played with both Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix,” Arnold said.

“He offers us further depth in the centre of defence, where we also have Patrick Zwaanswijk, Zac Anderson and Trent Sainsbury.”

“Brent gives us good cover at left stopper and can adapt to a number of other roles on the pitch should we need him to.”

“We were interested in keeping Brent at the Mariners last season, understand his character and know he will fit into our Club culture.”

Griffiths said he is pleased to pen a season long deal with the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers, a Club he considers as the benchmark of Australia-s top flight.

“It was an easy decision to come to the Mariners - they are the best Club in the A-League as far as I-m concerned,” Griffiths said. “The guys are good lads, the coaches are great and the facilities are very good, too.”

Indeed, Griffiths outlined that while he is obviously eager to push for a starting berth at Central Coast this season, he is also keen to use his time at the Club to absorb as much information as possible from the highly experienced and passionate people around him.

“To be honest I want to learn as much as I can from the coaching staff and Arnie [Graham Arnold].

“Patrick Zwaanswijk obviously plays the same position as me and has had a great career, so I-m keen to learn off him.”

Central Coast Mariners Chairman, Mr Peter Turnbull, said: “Rostyn Griffiths had a great impact on and off the football field for the Central Coast Mariners and we are convinced Brent Griffiths will also make a positive contribution to the Club during his time with us.”